On interface crack models with contact zones situated in an anisotropic bimaterial

Summary

A boundary value problem for two semi-infinite anisotropic spaces with mixed boundary conditions at the interface is considered. Assuming that the displacements are independent of the coordinate x ₃, stresses and derivatives of displacement jumps are expressed via a sectionally holomorphic vector function. By means of these relations the problem for an interface crack with an artificial contact zone in an orthotropic bimaterial is reduced to a combined Dirichlet-Riemann problem which is solved analytically. As a particular case of this solution, the contact zone model (in Comninou's sense) is derived. A simple transcendental equation and an asymptotic formula for the determination of the real contact zone length are obtained. The classical interface crack model with oscillating singularities at the crack tips is derived from the obtained solution as well. Analytical relations between fracture mechanical parameters of different models are found, and recommendations concerning their implementation are given. The dependencies of the contact zone lengths on material properties and external load coefficients are illustrated in graphical form. The practical applicability of the obtained results is demonstrated by means of a FEM analysis of a finite-sized orthotropic bimaterial with an interface crack.